Detachable vs. Fixed Cables: Pros and Cons in Mobile Audio

[AbuHossam]

The Question
I'd like to be able to save a few hundred dollars at least, so I was considering opening a new credit card with a cash back bonus to put the expense on. Many credit cards will give you $200-500 cash back if you spend a few thousand on on card within the first few months. Thoughts?

ANSWER 1
The biggest savings will likely come from shopping that price at an independent mechanic. For the credit card aspect, sure. Sounds like a great time to sign up for a new card and get the bonus points. I would be looking more at travel points va cash back though. You can usually get higher value that way


ANSWER 2
Tune ups aren't a real thing anymore. What exactly does it need? Spark plugs, engine and cabin air filters and oil change? Insert upsell unnecessary maintenance things after


ANSWER 3
First tune up, as in 20k miles, oil change, filters and such?

Thoughts: second opinion on what it really needs, because $2k is significant and I like to be sure the mechanic is correct. As to using a cc to get bonus and points for known large purchases can be a little bump in the budget, but not something I chase.

[AbuHossam]

ANSWER 1
If you choose to respond to my comment, please don't be rude. I'm confused as to why last month's budget is different than this month? I know there are things throughout the year like car registration, etc, but... can someone explain why each month is different?


ANSWER 2
Honest question, for those who do this, do any of you have an irregular or varying income? Ours varies every month due to varying overtime, and my unpredictable hours, but we know what the base of my husband's income will be. So I have a standing monthly budget for the base, which covers basics, then an average of the rest, with a big cushion for "misc", and a lot of sinking funds. It works well. Just wondering how others handle this.


ANSWER 3
Trying to budget in vet bills, pretty sure our girl dog will have pups in July and her ultrasound got pushed back but she may have them before then, I only scheduled one cause she is small and in case there is complications, but it’s only 63 days and the ultrasound is not cheap but scheduled about when I am guessing she is due



ANSWER 4
Budget day! Here's my "issue"...it's an expensive month with a vacation, some concerts and other big spends. But I'd rather turn up the heat on my two side hustles instead of take the money out of our "fun money". My wife says we make too much money to worry about hitting those funds, and she's totally right, but i feel like it's a failing move to touch it

– Sandi Calio profile in Astronomy

[AbuHossam]

The Question
We cancelled everything tv, so we use our $14 month Amazon prime for video on the tv but it needs internet to work. I was hoping to eliminate the $100ish (have no clue as my husband has this linked to his acct and it’s auto) bill as well. I was looking into just using the hotspot on my phone but that would only work if I’m home and would suck for the rest of the family or babysitter when I’m working. Am I missing a cheaper alternative? Even if I can find a cheap plan and maybe call breeze line and threaten to switch it’ll go lower? Anything to help please!


ANSWER 1
I'd definitely look and see if Verizon or tmobile home internet is in your area. The tmobile one didn't work great for us(we play video games and stream a lot at the same time) but other people in my area love it. My brother had the Verizon one and has no issues streaming from multiple tvs at the same time. Last I checked they're both under 100 a month.


ANSWER 2
If you go into the Xfinity store most times you can get a deal. If you have the roku app there are alot of shows on there that the kids can watch for free. The kids and the babysitter will adjust and if the babysitter is relying on tv to sit your kids then it is time for an adjustment so she does things with the kids.


ANSWER 3
Internet depends on area. Good luck trying to save on that. Internet speed is going to start going up due to people streaming a lot more and cancelling tv service. Communication business depend on income from both so that’s why you will see rates go up for internet. Also if you compare prices don’t just look at the price because the speed they offer will be vey important when you stream.


ANSWER 4
Phone hot spot is usually more expensive overall, I think.

Your internet options are going to vary by where you live. Cheaper alternative ISPs often have outages or bad customer service. The big ISPs are stable, but expensive. You can often call in (or online chat) to bargain down a deal of $10+/mo, but it's usually limited time and you have to ask again in a year.

– Sandi Calio user page in MyminiFactory

[AbuHossam]

... a little context... my mother and I are estranged and the only granparent I have on her side is my grandmother. I love my grandmother and she gets treated the same way by my mother as I did which is why I cut ties years ago, but my grandmother sees her as her only heir and is leaving everything including their lake house that my siblings and I summer vacationed growing up to her. My mother is horrible with money and only sees dollar signs on this property and if left to her will be on the market before my grandmother is cremated...

my brother and I had a convo this past weekend about convincing our grandmother to sell it to us, so when she passes it will ensure it stays in the family to create memories with our kids as a vaca home. It is also really close (5 miles) from our dads family ranch. The house is not worth much but our mom would try to really over sell it and absolutley would not sell it to us... this way we would get a fair price for it, keep in the family, she has her house and income to care for her, and mom can get what's left when grandma passes...

I am currently in babystep 6-7 putting 5-6k a month toward our primary mortgage and would essentially divert that margin to paying for her house... I'm thinking 80k is what it would be worth at this moment but needs some major updates that can be done over time... we owe about 80k on our primary and would take out a second mortgage to save this house and could realistically have it paid in 2 years or less...

Thoughts?

Zac Cole astronomy member page

[AbuHossam]

The Question
When my wife and I started back in 2007 we made over 6 figures in income and we were still living paycheck to paycheck. We were letting our house and cars keeping us broke. We had a lot of fights and tension in our marriage.

It wasn’t until we went through the FPU program that everything changed. For the first time we had some real savings.

We sold the house 🏡 We sold the furniture. We moved to a small 1 bedroom apartment. We sold the cars 🚘🚘. We bought a mobile home cash 💰 and we lived there for about 7 years. Those 7 years changed everything because we saved and invested like crazy!

The rest is history. Now enjoying BS7 and helping and encouraging others in the same journey. We are everyday millionaires! We are not special but we stuck with the program.

Living within your means takes discipline and simple math and the fruits of it is worth it.

DON’T QUIT! Your future self will thank you!

ANSWER 1
Dave doesn’t recommend mobile homes because they don’t gain value.

Seems like it worked out for y’all though.

Love it!

ANSWER 2
How was it living in the mobile home? Always curious as to those who purchased one and if they regretted it. You get more for less cost but obviously no appreciation.

[AbuHossam]

The Question
Hi everyone! I don’t usually share a lot of details about my life, usually because I’m ashamed to but I need help. A little back story: in December 2021 I separated from my now ex husband, I couldn’t stay in the relationship any longer but I left without any savings other than the $1000 for bs1 because earlier that year I decided to tackle my debts trusting I had my ex’s support. We didn’t have joined accounts, he didn’t support us financially other than paying for rent which is one of the many reasons I left. I believe I deserve to be with someone who’s willing to join me in this journey and build a financial foundation together.*

During my 7 years long marriage I cash flowed a class or two every semester because i didn’t want to give up on my education, fast forward to today I am 5 classes away from graduating with my bachelors if I pay for my full semester (the 5 classes all at once) this upcoming fall (August), graduation would be in December, I am in a much better place all together, bills are paid but I’ve had many unexpected emergencies preventing me from building my bs1 again but here are the options I’m considering and need your suggestions:

Option 1: Do I pay for my last semester, graduate in December and build my bs1 when I’m able to catch up which would be around October?

Option 2: delay my graduation one semester which starts in January, graduating in May 2024 and use this semester to snowball as much as I can?

Option 3: should I divide my classes between this semester and the next, still graduating in May 2024?

I’m leaning toward option 1 because my boss offered me a position that pays more but requires a bachelors degree. So I’m thinking the sooner I graduate the better.

HELP PLEASE!

ANSWER 1
Are you able to pick up a side job before school would start this semester to get that $1,000 for emergencies? If you go to school without it and an emergency happens then you'll be in debt again. From my understanding you are currently debt free is that correct?


ANSWER 2
Option 1. Or could you get a student loan and pay it off when you graduate in December, so you don’t have to use your emergency fund?


ANSWER 3
Ask if you can start your job with the contingency of you earning your bachelors and possibly having the company pay for it. Worth an ask!



ANSWER 4
Congratulation! And well done! Sounds like you have worked hard to cash-flow your education and follow the plan. I understand your desire to get this finished… and fast. Having only one semester left… you can actually see the finish line! However, don’t write-off the process that got you where you are today. Follow the plan. If you are not able to side hustle gazelle intense to get that emergency fund before school your best option is 2 or 3. If you are able to get the $1000 by October while taking 5 classes… how fast could you get it done in Option 3… you would still be working toward your goal but allowing yourself to make more money while taking the classes. And if an emergency strikes again, your ability to have more of an income going to school part-time is more realistic…

[AbuHossam]

The Question
Okay, this is a lot but I need help. It’s a lengthy post and I will try to cover everything.

I’ve got a lot of debt and I’ve just reached BS1 for the 3rd time. The second time I made it all the way to only once credit card left. Now I’m waaaay deeper than the first time. This time I want to accomplish something! I have an apartment that I rent, a house that my parents stay in and I’m a travel nurse so I have a travel rent as well. I’m going to be getting rid of the apartment in October when the lease is up. However I have two options, I can extend month to mont until December so that a tenant can stay and pays the entire thing, or I can pay for August - October since current tenant is leaving. I was using DoorDash when I could but a ticket showed up from 2019 on my background check and now they won’t let me work. Now for the numbers.

Income is varying at this time. Should be 9K for the next 3 months at minimum. I do pick up OT sometimes when it doesn’t hinder schoolwork. Here’s allllll the debts.

Mortgage $1773

Utilities $250

Apartment rent $1400

Travel rent $2100

HOA $700/year

Timeshare $187/month

Verizon $300/month

Car $250/Friday

Cable $100/month

Student loans are currently deferred since in school

Consumer Debt

Apple $75

Cap 1 #1 $179

Cap1#2 $2082

PPC $3528

Chase $3968

Discover $6520

NF #1 $19517

NF #2 $23991

Throw me all the plans you can think of!

Edit: so when I posted this. I thought I was asking other people who have an understanding about being in a difficult places and was looking for advice on more income. It’s apparent that some people do not understand how travel nursing works and people makes mistakes. But thanks I guess

ANSWER 1
Why do you pay for a house you don’t use? Just for your parents? Are they paying you anything?

I wouldn’t extend a lease for an apartment you’re not using. Get rid of it.

Those HOA fees are crazy high. Are they for that house? You could drop almost $2500/month just by selling the house.

Can you get rid of the timeshare?

Also $300 for cell phone seems crazy high. Are you paying for anyone else’s phone?

ANSWER 2
Sell the home you shouldn’t have a home you are renting… rental property is for step seven when the home you live in is paid off and you pay cash for the rental property. Get rid of timeshare, find cheaper phones/service, are you making payments on the phone? Sell the car and buy a hooptie, you shouldn’t be using student loans if you can’t pay for school don’t go. Cut all wants from your budget, work extra jobs, sell stuff, get gazelle intense. Focus on your WHY. You can do this just takes hard work and sacrifices along the way. Donate plasma, clean homes, pet sit, walk dogs, babysit, clean garbage cans, mow lawns, bartend, wait tables, stock ****ves, anything to bring in money. Good luck on your journey to financial peace

ANSWER 3
You asked for help in a group that follows a plan with rigid rules. You are frustrated that you are getting advice for that plan. That makes no sense. I know several travel nurses and they make unbelievable money. Most of them have been able to find housing to share with other travel nurses in the area they are working so that drastically cut their living expenses. Looking at your listed debts and your projected income of 9,000 for the next few months you should have more than enough to complete BS1 and a good chunk of BS2.



ANSWER 4
You need to sell the house And the apartment asap, you can’t afford them… assuming I’m reading this correctly and you are Paying $1773 + $1400 + $2100 for housing expenses every month…

[AbuHossam]

The Question
Five years ago, I didn’t have credit cards, but I had debt (student loans). If my checking dipped below a certain number, that was my “warning light” that I needed to slow down.

The last 18 months have been so difficult that now I feel rich when I have over $800 in my checking, which is the opposite of a warning light!

I found Ramsey in April, realized my instincts about credit cards were right, and closed them. I’m working through the baby steps now, but I’ve realized my mindset needs some work.

I’m wondering how everyone else “reset” their financial “warning light.” What questions did you ask yourself? What strategies did you use?

ANSWER 1
I think for me is the ability to just say NO to people and things, to not be afraid to be on my own when all the other people around me do the opposite; I am the only provider, so I need to make sure my future and my daughter's are secure.


ANSWER 2
I'm BS2

I'd say that until you are BS4/5/6 your dashboard is lit up like a Christmas tree. You have ALL the warning lights on!

The problem I found is I stopped looking at the dash and only noticed when the car started sputtering. Once I started doing the baby steps I kept one eye on the dash all the time and the lights started blinking out the more debt we paid off and the more careful we were with our budget.

The warning light once you are good is a simple check of whether a purchase is in your budget or not. If it's not you make adjustments (with your partner if applicable) or you wait.

ANSWER 3
BS4/6 We took a deep dive into where our money was actually going-3 things were big ones for us-

Quick trip to the grocery store for 1 thing, but grabbing 25 other things

Online purchases

Eating out

Once the proof was in front of us, we couldn’t deny it.

It wasn’t easy to change habits and there were lots of tears, but we did it and our lives have been forever changed for the better.


ANSWER 4
(BS7) i never thought I could survive w/o a credit card. How in the world could i shoe shop? Or buy the grocery deals? Ohhhh how life has changed! Ca$h is all we carry and spend everywhere. With a limited amount of cash in my pocket i can not overspend.

Cash is king.

[AbuHossam]

I live in Clearwater Florida, moved here in March 2021. I was a remote worker processing accounts payable in Healthcare and lost my job in December of that year. (mandates). I'm struggling to find steady employment.* I do gig work and have an Ebay store.

I also work as a temp but not much going on there either. I choose going through agencies because in the past once you interviewed for them you're put into their database and they would actually work on finding you a job that fit your qualifications. I would get calls, we got this job it pays x amount of money can you start Monday kinda thing. I have worked for several agencies during my career too. Robert Half, That's Good HR, Vaco, Accountemps,* Milliner and Assoc, KFORCE,* Kelly Services and a few others. What I am noticing now is I will get calls for jobs and have to interview with the client, and I get passed over.* I'm terrible at interviews btw. I even put an ad on Jobs in Pinellas County FB page and the only received one offer which was for a personal assistant for some guy out of Palm Beach County. (Didn't sound like an honest type of job if you know what I mean)

Family who has helped me financially these past couple of years are suggesting that I move back to Indiana but that's not going to automatically get me a job and an apartment.* If I chose that route I would have to get rid of everything including my Ebay inventory and only take what would fit in my hatchback and start all over again because there's no money for movers. I don't want to break my lease (ends 3/29/24) but it does include a clause that I would only be responsible for 2 months rent if that were to occur. I could stay with them until I got back on my feet. I would owe the $3500 to the apartment complex but I don't want an eviction on my record.

My rent was only $1396 when I moved here and it's increased every year.

I have cut out unnecessary expenses too.

Rent $1746 (includes water, trash and pest control)

Electric* $200 +/-

Car insurance $216 (increase from $196)

Car $340 balance $4150 (21% interest)

Phone $60

Gas $300

Pets $40* (food and litter)

Food & Household $500 (Just Me)

Student loans $180k (3 degrees, consolidated and years of forbearance and income sensitive repayment plans,* capitalized interest.) Yes It's a monster. Degrees: Associate in Business,* Bachelors in Business Administration and MBA in Healthcare Administration. I was not a traditional student, I am 56 years old.I graduated in 2005, 2009 and 2011 from Indiana Wesleyan University Adult Leadership programs. .

Ebay store subscription $22 (Selling Platform) I need this to make money

Would you give up living in paradise and your dream of living near the beach? I'm 7 miles from Clearwater Beach and omg the Sunshine I love the sunshine and the ocean.

I don't want to be a failure but it's hard staying positive when doors keep getting slammed in my face. Moving back doesn't magically change things.

[AbuHossam]

The Question
Hi everyone, so I am about $37,000 in debt from my bachelors degree. I also have about $9,000 left on my 2021 car to pay off.

My grandfather has offered to pay off my student debt and then to pay him each month around $300 dollars. That will save me around $20,000 dollars in interest, possibly more in the long run.

He states he will lend me the amount to cover my loans from school. I have a decent amount of savings to pay off my car loan at the same time. So I won’t be debt free but intetest free.

I think at this point in time I’m looking for advice on wether or not this is a good idea?


ANSWER 1

No. Do not involve family in your debt. It only gets messy.

Baby steps is best place to start, in order. Also listen to the show! It’s so motivating to take control of your finances.


ANSWER 2

Mmmm idk… perhaps give us other variables first. What’s your income? If you already have money enough to cover your car, you should have put that towards the car by now with the snowball method. But that’s neither here nor there.
Where are you getting this 20k in interest? I think that depends more on what your income is and what you can do to increase your income.
I wouldn’t go this easy route so fast if I were you. Personally, although i agree with everyone here about not mixing money with family, I borrowed 3k from an aunt and paid her back within 4 months; this was pre-Dave though not sure I would have done it if I knew about Dave’s principals at that time.. 3k is a lot less than 37k. And paying him $300 a month is going to get kinda old 😬 37k/300 is 123 months. You really gonna be paying $300 for 10 yrs?
The point of following the dave plan is to get out of debt fast to start on retirement. Average is about 18 months I believe.
Good luck!

ANSWER 3

I promise that if you borrow money from your sweet grandfather, he WILL be annoyed, however small, should you take any vacations and/or buy anything big-ish while still owing him money. Please don’t do that to him - or to yourself.

ANSWER 4

Here's my question. What happens if, and it is a horrible thought, your Grandpa passes while you're paying? Do you then owe to his heirs? This could be an inheritance that could cause some contention with the rest of the family. This is the type of question that DR asks and its yet another reason to just keep family, family and don't intertwine debt into it. I can hear DR say "Thanksgiving dinner will taste different". Hope everything works out for you!

[AbuHossam]

The Question
Please be nice and non judgemental. It’s sickening actually writing it all out. The credit card debt feels so overwhelming and crushing by that I feel like we’ll never make headway. Any advice or encouragement from anyone who’s had the same or more and overcome it, would be so appreciated!


ANSWER 1
My question is how often do y’all go to Busch gardens for the pass? And why isn’t the lawn spray included in the lawn care? That’s all included with our lawn guy for $80


ANSWER 2
Cancel gym, Busch, and lawn. Shop around for cheaper car insurance. No eating out. Maybe go to a movie once a month. Go completely bare bones until you get out of the hole.


ANSWER 3
I would call those credit card companies each month and see if you can pay it off with a lump sum. You have a little over $5,000 left every month you might be able to be done with this in a little over a year. What do you do to make $12,000 a month? Curious minds want to know 🤔 I need it lol 😆



ANSWER 4
Pay the smallest debt with credit card then pay down the rest get extra job to pay credit cards and sell things. Only way out you’ll get there

[AbuHossam]

The Question
I work as a door cashier at a gentleman's club.

I wear normal clothes and have an office at the entrance (I never even see the dancers). Get paid $11/hr + tips to mostly watch Netflix.


ANSWER 1
I don’t think it’s weird but I taught myself to crochet and now I sell stuffed animals! It’s been pretty successful! I’m really starting to turn a profit now that I have bought enough yarn to make lots of animals lol latest custom order was blues clues!


ANSWER 2
My (now ex) husband and I sold his used gym socks on EBay. 🤦🏼‍♀️ It paid the rent and got us out of tight situations. This was at least 10 years ago. He is trying to resurrect the idea, but I took great pictures and wrote great listings. I’m not helping this time. Lol!


ANSWER 3
Not weird, but i just took a longer route to be able to do my “side gig”. Got my esthetician license and started doing facials and waxing. Kept my full time job and took clients in the evening. Exhausting but so worth it. Once I’m done paying off everything, I would have a better/steadier clientele and I can do it full time and leave my old career.



ANSWER 4
Not strange. I just heavily leaned into a hobby and started making keychains, bookmarks, badge reels, and magnets for profit.
Fun and financially beneficial.

[AbuHossam]

The Question
Hey y'all! Before I share my thoughts, I want to let you know that I go to therapy for my anxiety and I am a practicing Christian (and I pray frequently).

I have a fear that I am going to get fired from my job in affiliate marketing (I work with brands to set up their affiliate programs). I got one of those unicorn remote jobs where I make a NY salary ($94k) in OK. It is very difficult to get an affiliate marketing job in Oklahoma, but I recently got a remote job in April. I am performing well, but I don't think I am doing enough for what they are paying me. My job is in client services and I feel a pressure to go above and beyond to make our unprofitable section of the business profitable.

I am terrified to lose my $94k remote job in affiliate marketing because my wife and I have $37k left in student debt (paying $2.5k per month) and $225k left on our house ($1.8k per month). We make $9k take-home per month and we would only make $4k a month if I lost my job. We have about 1 year of payments left on the student loans and then we are moving onto the house. I have also been donating plasma, reselling items online, and doing a computer side gig for an extra $500 per month.

I frequently feel like we would lose our house and great life if I were to lose my job and we only have $1k in our emergency fund (BS1). Do you have advice with feeling like you are walking on a tightrope while in BS2?

ANSWER 1
The fear of losing your job- are you getting hints or comments from those you work with or above you? or is this just all in your head and how you feel? I'd maybe ask for a meeting with whoever is above you to just ask how you are doing, how you can improve- just like a progress report. This will give you real answers, and if you do need to improve in some places you will know, and if you don't- they may be impressed with your initiative!


ANSWER 2
I would like to see what you budget looks like. You have a great salary and it sounds like your company knows the value you offer.

I’ve had jobs like that where I feel like I don’t have much to do compared to other positions I’ve held- I’ve had to remind myself they are paying me for my knowledge and the value I bring overall based in my experiences.

How were you living before? Could you pay all your bills? Are you in better shape now- less debt?

It may be that you’re on this ride while you can be and see what you can get knocked out- then if your job outlook changes you are in a better position.

Ask for feedback so you know how you’re doing. They may be getting a bargain for you at that wage- or they may not care about where your located compared to the salary.

ANSWER 3
Use the anxiety as fuel to get it done as fast as possible. That student loan could be paid off in a year or so. That anxiety will always be there if you don’t get rid of the debt. You got this!



ANSWER 4
The two things you mentioned clash with each other but you’re doing the best you can. Anxiety leads fear and yet prayer should soothe your fear. Keep your strong faith and praying and know that God always provides. Also, look at how much you e already accomplished. Blessings to you,

[AbuHossam]

The Question
I wish I could pick up more at my side hustle, but my full time work doesn't have a set schedule, (I work in a field that operates 24/7/365) so I work my side hustle as I can, fortunately my employer there is ok with it. But I'm tired.

My husband is also salary, and before this becomes a bashing fest against him, he truly is a good man, he works hard at his job for us, but he does have a set schedule.

I admit I'm the source of our credit card debt,* and I try so very hard to pay down the credit cards. I try to throw extra at them. But I look at our debt overall, and while I'm working my full time job and a side part time job, my husband does his routine schedule. He has had many opportunities to earn extra, but finds a reason to not earn extra. And each month, more and more unexpected expenses arise.

My dog I just found out after a $575 vet visit will now need to start thyroid medication, in addition to the pain medication we started two months ago for him.

This will now cost an additional $125/ month between the two meds, not to mention his routine flea/tick/heartworm medication.

I still have school supplies to purchase for the kids. My grocery budget is getting tighter. During the summer I have the ability to take kids to work with me during the day, but when school starts, I will need to find the $240 a week for our youngest and child care. It seems as if each of my part time pay checks ends up going directly to one of these type if situations, instead of being added to my snowball like intended.

My husband doesn't pay attention to the account, or the bills. I had to set up a separate account to move money to each week just to pay our bills. He knows our debt, says he will do this or that for extra, then backs out.

I do have my $1,000 emergency fund that I haven't touched. But each week, I stress ensuring there is enough for the bills. And the stupidest part of all this, we have an incredibly low rent, and decent monthly income. And we are still pay check to pay check, even with my part time job.

I don't know what I'm doing posting here. I know what needs to happen to improve our situation, I just can't get my husband on board to commit to debt free with me. He wants debt free, but hasn't committed to debt free. We aren't adding to the debt, I just struggle to see how to pay down the debt.

ANSWER 1
"And the stupidest part of all this, we have an incredibly low rent, and decent monthly income. And we are still pay check to pay check, even with my part time job. "

This sounds like a budget problem more than an income problem. Before taking on a lot of soul breaking side hustles make sure you are doing a zero dollar budget and sticking to it.

Success is not so much what you are willing to do but what you are willing to do without.

ANSWER 2
It sounds like your not combining your money. Based on that you are paying and doing all the child care. Work out how much that is.. And tell him to pay the current childcare himself in full till his half is paid back for the amount of time you have been doing it. If he doesn't have enough he needs to earn more. When he has paid it back then you go half and half on child care. Do Not get another pet when the time comes. Not until Bs7. No one should be getting a pet unless they are on bs 7. Look at passive income streams that you can set up and let run.


ANSWER 3
If you haven't checked Chewy's prices on medicine, please do. My bf's cat needs insulin. He was always getting her insulin from the vet for almost 150. At Chewy, with autoship, its about 25. cheaper.



ANSWER 4
For your post I can tell you're stressed, tired and you feel that your have no room to breath. Your partner is a good person but you two aren't on the same page, you aren't pulling together. You say the credit card debt is yours but you're married. That and all other debts are yours together. I think sitting down with him and telling him honestly how you feel and how things need to change so your future can be better. Maybe this is with a counselor, a pastor or just on your own. I know this might be hard but continuing on the path you're on is destructive.

[AbuHossam]

The Question
Tell me about these credit card consolidation loans… currently have 2 credit cards totaling less than 15k but the interest rate in both is sickening, 21%! I do pay more than just minimum but I also use them regularly. Typically to pay kids school tuition each month allowing it to not over extend my checkin account.

Are these consolidation loans at a lower rate a scam? - I’m just sceptical. There has to be a win for these big companies since they are pushing them so hard…


ANSWER 1
Consolidation loans are a waste of time if you continue to use the credit cards. If you cut them up and stick to just the money in your checking account, they might save you some interest. But the big problem isn’t the interest - it’s the debt you keep adding to.

Sorry for the bluntness.


ANSWER 2
You can call the credit card companies yourself, explain your situation and ask for a lower rate if you cancel the card. They would rather get a lower percentage back than have people declare bankruptcy.


ANSWER 3
Don't consolidate. You're just moving debt. Pay all the smallest one first and the minimum on the others until you pay off the smallest then throw what you were paying on it to the next smallest, and so on, like the baby steps say. You'll get it done I'm sure.



ANSWER 4
You will stay stuck in your cycle as long as you continue to use those cards and not pay them off. You are borrowing money at 21%. The interest is compounding on your oldest balances. Compounding interest is beautiful as an investor but financially crippling if you owe debt. In fact, it can be “sickening“ just like you said. You need to find a way to put that tuition into your checking account so it is covered. Debt consolidation is really just moving money around and, yes, most of the companies are scams.